Based in Fact

In this bonus episode, Lisa is joined by Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project's Jennifer Harmon to talk about the 02/22/22 press conference announcing the launch of an "independent" investigation into the case of Richard Glossip, who was convicted of the 1997 murder-for-hire of motel owner Barry Van Treese. Lisa and Jennifer talked about the facts and evidence linking Glossip to the murder, including his own words and actions in the hours after Mr. Van Treese was killed.

In Episode 4, Lisa is joined by guest co-host Kyle to talk about the case against Rodney Reed.  In July, 2021, an evidentiary hearing on Reed’s 10th State post-conviction writ was held in Bastrop County, Texas.  Prior to the hearing, the state submitted 2 disclosures of information to Reed’s counsel and Kyle and Lisa talk about those disclosures and the witnesses statements.  After the close of the hearing, Reed and the state each submitted proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to the court in advance of closing arguments, which were held on October 18, 2021.  Kyle and Lisa talk about the proposed findings, the closing arguments and the Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law entered by Judge J.D. Langley on October 31, 2021. 

In Episode 3, Lisa, and guest co-host Kyle were joined by Patrick, Becca, Tim and Alexander to talk about the myths and lies surrounding the Rodney Reed case and the coverage of it by the media.  The primary source of those myths and lies is David Fisher, a self-proclaimed “consultant” who claims to know the law, but demonstrates with every word that he hasn’t got a clue.  Because those myths and lies could fill an entire episode, Lisa and Kyle will address the updated information regarding Reed's case in Episode 4.

In Episode 2, I’m joined by Amy Kingry and Jennifer Harmon to talk about the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.  Before the controversial decision to break their own rules to consider Julius Jones’ requests for commutation and clemency, the board was the target of a criminal investigation into its processes after questions were raised about the release of Lawrence Anderson, who was released after serving only 3 years of a 20 year sentence handed down in 2017.  The fact that his request for release was denied 2019 should’ve made him ineligible to reapply in 2020.  Shortly after his release, Anderson committed a grisly triple-murder.  In what is likely to be a developing situation, Amy, Jennifer and Lisa will talk about the rules governing the board, the irregularities in the board’s consideration of Jones’ applications, the resignation of Adam Luck and Governor Stitt’s replacement appointee. 

 About Amy: Amy is a native of Edmond, Oklahoma and has been a paralegal in Oklahoma City for 21 years.  Amy co-founded Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project. OKVIP is a community organization dedicated to supporting victims/survivors of violent crime as they navigate post-conviction litigation.  Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project’s goal is to let victims of violent crimes know that they have a voice to speak the truth, even though those voices shake.  She’s also the proud mom of 5 children and bonus mom to 3 step-children, so there’s never a dull moment in her life.  She’s also a cross-fit enthusiast and, with her significant other, fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and OKC Thunder.

About Jennifer: Jennifer Harmon is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a community advocate, Alert Neighbor Captain and a Navy veteran.  She holds a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. Jennifer co-founded Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project, a community organization dedicated to supporting victims and survivors of violent crime as they navigate the post-conviction litigation process. In 2011, she was a co-founder of Justice For Peggy Gaytan, a city-wide publicity campaign comprised of residents across Tulsa, local media, and small business owners, which was instrumental in helping police make an arrest in the tragic murder of grandmother Peggy Gaytan on December 22, 2011. Jennifer and her husband live in the heart of midtown Tulsa and are fans of the OKC Thunder.  Jennifer also spends her free time educating students and midtown neighbors about the Barred Owls of Midtown Tulsa, including tending the livestream.

Finally, we’re joined tonight by Kyle Steinhauser, a candidate for the co-host slot.  While I think he’ll be fine, we’ll see how he feels at the end of the episode.

In Episode 1, guests Shelley Levisay and Amy Kingry talk about State of Oklahoma v. Julius Darius Jones.  On the evening of July 28, 1999, Jones, armed with a .25 caliber pistol, carjacked and shot Paul Howell in the driveway of his parents’ Edmond, Oklahoma home.  His sister and daughters were lucky to escape the carjacking unharmed.  In spite of the overwhelming evidence presented at trial establishing Jones’ guilt and post-conviction DNA testing that identified Julius Jones as the person wearing the red bandana described by several witnesses, the Viola Davis-produced The Last Defense in 2018 fueled a media campaign of misinformation that characterized Jones’ guilt as in doubt.  In spite of Jones’ extensive prison disciplinary record, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board broke its own rules, holding two hearings and recommending commutation and clemency for Jones.  On November 18, 2021, Governor Kevin Stitt commuted Jones’ sentence to life without the possibility of parole.

Shelley Levisay is a criminal defense attorney and owner of Levisay & Associates, an author and podcaster from Shawnee, Oklahoma. She went to the University of Oklahoma College of Law, was Order of Barristers and a Note Editor for the American Indian Law Review. In May, 2022, she will graduate with an LL.M. in Indigenous Peoples. 

Amy Kingry has been a paralegal in Oklahoma City for 21 years.  She was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma and began helping victims of violent crime as a result of the misinformation of The Last Defense  and the resulting media campaign.  Amy co-founded Oklahoma Victims Innocence Project. OKVIP is a community organization dedicated to supporting victims/survivors of violent crime as they navigate the post-conviction process. Amy’s hope is to let victims of violent crimes know that they still have a voice to speak the truth, no matter how much their voices shake.  She’s also a cross-fit enthusiast and, with her significant other, fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and OKC Thunder. Amy is also the proud mom of 5 children and bonus mom to 3 step-children, so there’s never a dull moment in her life.